Reed Smith: Trial Training Program

September 20, 2018

Reed Smith is hosting its nationwide Trial Training Program in the Philadelphia office this year, during the week of Oct. 15. On Saturday morning, Oct. 20, dozens of our litigation associates will test their trial advocacy skills in half-day mock trials, with senior Reed Smith litigation partners serving as judges. However, we need plenty of witnesses and jurors to make the program realistic, and that’s where you come in.

Please volunteer to serve as a witness or a juror for a mock trial! These trials are serious business to our participants, but they’re also a lot of fun and will give you the opportunity to see some of Reed Smith’s best litigation associates in action. Here’s what we ask of our volunteers:

For jurors, your service will be entirely on Saturday morning, October 20. The mock trials will run from 8:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., followed by an optional lunch with your litigants, judge and witnesses, in which you are encouraged to provide feedback on the trial.

Witnesses should plan to spend 30-45 minutes testifying at the mock trial (specific time to be discussed with your trial team). If you have the time, you are welcome (and encouraged!) to stay for other parts of the trial, and to participate in the post-trial feedback lunch with the litigants, judge and jurors. In addition, plan to meet with your trial team ahead of time (most likely late Thursday or on Friday afternoon) to review materials and plan your trial testimony.

Jurors and witnesses are all welcome to join us for Saturday’s pre-trial breakfast (starting at 7:30 a.m.) and for the post-trial closing ceremony, which will end by 2 p.m.

This will be a great opportunity for law students or college undergrads considering a legal career – or for those who’d just like to have a look behind the scenes at a global law firm (while enjoying breakfast and lunch on us).

We’ll need 32 witnesses and 48 jurors, and we’d welcome your help. If you’re interested in learning more, please send an email to our program manager, Ken Moir (kmoir@reedsmith.com). He’ll respond right away to confirm your contact info, and will follow up with more details about timing and logistics.